When? Sunday 10/2/2013Where? Trafalgar Square, LondonAt what time? 9 ish on London Photo tours and workshops on the left far side of the square

DETAILS: 2013 Is the Year of the Snake.The Chinese New Year festivities begin in the morning with a parade through the West End to Trafalgar Square, where there's an opening celebration with stage performances and special guests.A second stage on Shaftesbury Avenue hosts performances from local community groups and schools. Over the years the stage has seen fashion shows, plays and even Chinese hip-hop artists.Chinatown is at the centre of the New Year party. Food and craft stalls line the streets and a lion dance snakes through the crowds, stopping at restaurants to wish the owners good luck for the coming year.Chinese New Year Schedule10am: The parade will begin in Trafalgar Square and the colourful floats and beating of drums can be followed through Chinatown ending in Rupert Street at 11am12pm: On the main stage in Trafalgar Square, the Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, Munira Mirza, His Excellence Liu Xiao Ming and Stanley Tse, President of Chinatown, will commence the Dotting of the Eye ceremony, which will bring the dragons and lions to life1pm-5.30pm: Live entertainment on stage including performances by Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter Emmy The Great, the world-renowned Chen Brothers Flying Lion Dance, Paul Potts and performers from Guangdong and Sichuan Provinces5.55pm: A stunning fireworks display will mark the end of the day's celebrationsAbout Chinese New YearChinese New Year is a huge festival among Chinese communities in London and across the world.Based on the lunar and solar calendars, the actual date of Chinese New Year varies, but always falls between late January and mid February.Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Author

Born in Guatemala and studied in Brazil. Started CS in 2006 and became a citizen of the world. Knows Spanish, English and Portuguese. Learning Italian now. Wants to Latin Zest into the Southwest trough events, volunteering, fundraising and seminars about Guatemala.